No One Expects the Inquisition

Posted on Sun Dec 31st, 2023 @ 12:00am by Charles Xavier & Iris Walker & Elias Buckley & Jason (Jace) Adams

Mission: Episode 3: X-Tra Ecclesiam
Location: X-Mansion | War Room
Timeline: August 21st, 1990 - evening

"I've had to keep you three in the dark since this morning and I appreciate your indulgence," Xavier said. "There were...unexpected matters that needed my direct attention." Moving his chair around the side of the table so that he could address all three directly, he said, "I will leave a copy of this conversation for the others to review if they wish. For now, I draw your attention to Reverend William Stryker."

Activating the War Room computer, a personal profile of the man appeared on screen to which Xavier pointed. "As you can see, the man is more than his celebrity image. Former Army. Widower. Known associates who are dishonorable discharges from every branch of the military. Any doubt that Stryker was not responsible for the attack in Boston was dispelled when I telepathically probed the mutant you all retrieved. He was under compulsion by Stryker and his religious cult which refer to themselves as Purifiers. It is likely that Armando is still in thrall to Stryker, though his subconscious mind is screaming to be set free."

The Professor looked at them while they read his research for themselves. "My intention is to confront Stryker directly. If we go in force, they will retaliate, destroy their database, and go to ground. However, like the Grecian treachery of old, I intend to offer myself as a Trojan horse to confront Stryker in his own keep on the basis of ideology. During my distraction, I will need the three of you to search high and low for incriminating evidence that will help expose Stryker for who he is. Take pictures, download data, steal tapes—whatever it takes. All evidence that is collected will be delivered to the FBI as an anonymous tip from an alleged Purifier defector. Such subterfuge will protect the chain of evidence and help ensure the full brunt of the justice system falls down upon Stryker and his cohorts." Meeting each one's gaze, he asked, "Are there any questions?"

Unexpected pregnancies, thought Elias in the not-so-private domain of his own mind. That was what was keeping us out of the loop.

But that didn't matter right now, Stryker was more important moving immediately forward, until whatever mutant spawn emerged from Aurora's belly, and whatever war unfolded between her, Jean and Scott. Should be worth some popcorn, if you were into that kinda thing. But Fable wasn't. He welcomed the mission, and more than a simple taxi service for him here too, by the sound of it.

"Stealing stuff is bad," he said, grin on his face showing that he wasn't overly bothered about the morality from his own point of view. "I'm down for it. Intelligence mission definitely more entertaining than dropping off and picking up folks." Did he have a question? Yes. "They'll likely figure out you're the distraction, y'know, once this is all said and done. You have a plan for that?" Elias asked, making 'explosion goes boom' hands at either side of his own head to demonstrate his expectations for the Prof's role in covering their tracks. "And what happens if he doesn't want to talk? Do we have a Plan B?"

An ominous look passed over Xavier's face. "I will get him talking, make no mistake about that. The man tried to have me murdered in public. I think we are past the point of courting retaliation."

"Preacher man full of hate," said Jace. "Sounds like most of the ones I've ever heard. Anyway, I don't have a problem stealing whatever you want, Prof. I used to do that just to eat. But, will we be staying together or splitting up to cover more ground?"

While Xavier didn't agree with Jace's hasty generalization, now wasn't the time for a discussion on the matter. "The latter," said the Professor. "You each will make one circuit through your assigned zone and then leave the compound whether you have recovered any evidence or not. These are extremists who will not hesitate to kill any trespassers on sight, so do not spend any more time searching than you must."

As he continued, the Professor switched up the War Room computer's display from a profile on Stryker himself to the geographical readout of upstate New York. "The Reverend's congregation is in Orchard Park, a small hamlet south of Buffalo. But he is savvy enough not to keep anything there besides a small arms cache. There is a compound further south in Allegheny National Forest where his Purifiers meet and let their true colors fly. That is our goal. I have chartered a helicopter from Westchester County which will bring us to Chautauqua County where a waiting vehicle will ferry us to the forested Purifier compound. By all accounts, Stryker will underestimate me and that will be his downfall." He gave each of his chosen three a solemn look and invested his hopes of success in them. "He will never see you coming."

Iris grinned. Nobody ever saw her coming. “Literally, in my case,” she said.

"Hopefully in all cases," the Professor said, returning her grin with a smaller one. "If anything goes wrong, fall back to the airport for the helicopter. If it goes very south and you end up somewhere unfamiliar, use the nearest phone to call the X-Corporation's 800 number and use the code 'Graymalkin'. Your location will be traced immediately." By use of such contingencies, the stakes were becoming more clear than ever. "Are there any questions?"

Jace, startled at Iris' voice, flinched a little. Did he forget that she was there? Had she been there the whole time? He quickly shook it from his mind and focused on what the Professor had said. "On our own paths for this mission, check. Grab and go, check. Meet back at the airport if something goes wrong, check. Code word, check. Sounds simple enough. But I doubt it."

"We can only hope," the Professor tacitly agreed. "If there aren't any other questions, I suggest getting some sleep. We have an early day tomorrow."

Jace nodded. "Nothing from me. Sleep sounds really good, too."

"Thank you for agreeing to this course of action." The Professor looked exhausted for a moment as he let his guard down. "This is a combat mission, just not a physical one. If all goes well, we will take these Purifiers down in one fell swoop without a conventional battle by giving the justice system enough incentive to work in our favor for a change. No need to put the entire team at risk should our subterfuge win the day." He gave them a weary smile and excused them all to their rest. "I bid you all a good night."